Due to high mortality during the various waves of the COVID-19 pandemic average life expectancy of children born in Germany in 2021 has dropped markedly. So, according to experts, a girl who was born at this time can live on average up to 83.2 years, that is, compared with the period preceding the pandemic, this indicator has decreased by 0.4 years. A boy born in 2021 can live to an average of 78.2 years – 0.6 years less than before the pandemic. Such data were published by the Federal Statistical Office on Tuesday, July 26, in Wiesbaden.
In the east of the country, the indicators are worse
In the eastern part of Germany, which was particularly affected by COVID-19 pandemicsSince its second wave, the decline in life expectancy has become particularly noticeable. From pre-pandemic 2019 to 2021, life expectancy for boys there decreased by 1.3 years and for girls by 0.9 years.
Thus life expectancy at birth is 76.4 years for East German boys and 82.7 years for East German girls. In western Germany, by contrast, life expectancy has fallen for boys by just 0.4 years to 78.6 years, two years more than in the east. For West German girls, it has decreased by 0.3 years and averages 83.3 years.
COVID-19 and mortality in Germany
According to the Federal Statistical Office, COVID-19 pandemic also led to a significant increase in mortality. Before the pandemic, the number of deaths in Germany increased by an average of 1-2 percent per year due to aging society, and in 2020 the number of deaths increased by 5 percent. If we compare 2019 and 2021, the number of deaths increased even by 9 percent.
However, the number of “additional” deaths – about 70,000 to 100,000 in 2020 and 2021 – fell short of the nearly 115,000 covid deaths reported by the Robert Koch Institute. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this may be due to the fact that as a result of preventive measures and changes in people’s behavior, the number of deaths from other infectious diseases, such as influenza, has decreased.
See also:
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Coffee
On average, each inhabitant of Germany drinks about 160 liters of coffee per year. But the debate about this drink continues. Either you read that it dangerously raises blood pressure or even promotes cancer, then, on the contrary, experts say that coffee prevents a number of diseases. It is known for sure: as studies have shown, this drink does not bring obvious harm to coffee lovers.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Margarine
Not so long ago, doctors and scientists advised taking margarine instead of butter, because an excess of animal fats is harmful. Now, on the contrary, they criticize margarine: it contains too many chemical additives. But experts recommend ghee, because it contains less so-called saturated fatty acids.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Red wine
Does a glass of red wine a day really prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction? Fact: many years of research has not yet refuted this. The preventive effect is attributed to the miraculous substance contained in red wine, like resveratrol. But we should not forget: we are talking about only one glass a day, no more!
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Cholesterol
We cannot do without cholesterol, because it is contained in cell membranes. There are so-called “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Previously, it was believed that there should be as little “harmful” in the blood as possible, and as much “useful” as you like. Now we know that the level of “useful” should be limited. Doctors call for a healthy balance. One egg a day can be eaten safely. But instead of meat.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Vegetables from the freezer
The boom for vegetables from the freezer seemed to have passed. Most prefer fresh, bought in a store, on the market, from a tray. But nutritionists note that vegetables, fruits and berries that have undergone shock freezing immediately after harvest retain more nutrients and vitamins than the so-called “fresh” ones, but already lying on the counter.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Glutamate
Monosodium glutamate is known as a universal food additive E621 – the so-called “flavor enhancer”. In Germany and many other European countries, it is forbidden to add it to baby food. Does that mean it’s harmful? Artificial glutamate, and even in large quantities, as, for example, in chips, of course. And even, perhaps, natural (say, in soy sauce or Roquefort cheese).
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is an excellent antioxidant, a spice that gives a unique taste to pastries. However, in the bark of a cheaper version – Chinese cinnamon (lat. Cinnamomum aromaticum) – coumarin was found, an excess of which can have a devastating effect on the kidneys and liver. The recommended daily allowance is not more than 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. That is about one big gingerbread.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Water
The debate continues about how much water to drink per day. Usually our body itself knows how much liquid it needs: we drink to quench our thirst, we get the rest with food intake. But doctors insist on a daily rate of at least 2.5-3 liters per day. Moreover, it is supposedly necessary to drink without waiting until thirst overcomes, especially on hot days.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Milk
Milk is good only for children, many adults have problems with it – due to lactose intolerance. German doctors come to this conclusion. And Swedish scientists have found that milk lovers live less and get sick more often. This is evidenced by the results of a multi-year study in which more than 100 thousand people took part.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
Wheat and other cereals
Bread is another staple that scientists now question. It is indisputable that bakery products containing gluten (gluten) in many people – especially children – cause intolerance. In addition, yeast, nuts or seeds, which are used in the manufacture of bread, are often also a problem.
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Which products prolong life and which do not
vitamins
Gone are the days when vitamin pills and powders were swallowed almost in handfuls. Today, “artificial” vitamins are used much more carefully. Doctors pay special attention to the side effects of “artificial” vitamin supplements and warn of the serious consequences of uncontrolled self-medication. Are you afraid of beriberi? Eat more fruits and vegetables, get out in the sun more often!
Author: Inga Wanner, Brigitte Osterath
